News & Media
Love Local Life was featured in the Macclesfield Express recently. Here's what they had to say:
SPECIAL REPORT by Ben Turner, Chris Morris & Charlotte Cox
May 13, 2009
 THE BATTLE has begun to "save" Macclesfield town centre from the recession after it was revealed our businessesare the region’s worst hit.
Community activists and council campaigners are fighting furiously to bring shoppers back to Macc and fill up the increasing number of vacant shops.
As one crusading businesswoman sets up a special discount pact with independent firms, Cheshire East councillors are offering community groups free meeting spaces in empty high street premises.
The council’s ‘Recession Mitigation Task Group’ is spending more than £300,000, with a plan to make empty shop windows look "lived in" to start the business ball rolling again.
Meanwhile, Mandy Fazelynia, boss at Fina Bar and Grill, on the Market Place, hopes to revive retail and spending with independent local traders. She is creating a special discount card with fellow firms, to purchase for a range of discounts.
Residents are sure to support the dynamic schemes as shoppers dwindle – but many are left confused by who left the lights on at the abandoned Woolworths store?
The crusading businesswoman has launched an innovative scheme to save Macclesfield from the ravages of the credit crunch. Mandy Fazelynia, 34, is on a mission to breathe new life into independent retailers in a bid to keep shoppers in the town.
The boss of Fina Bar and Grill, on the Market Place, has set up a discount scheme for Maxonian firms to sign up to offer discounts for goods and services.
Mandy said: "I’m fighting for Macclesfield’s life, trying to keep the town’s economy alive by encouraging people to spend locally. If people keep going out of town, there will be no community left. Our plan – Love Local Life – is for businesses to sign up to and if you get the card they will offer you discounts."
Currently, 30 firms are on board the recession-busting project. Mandy, who lives on Ashcroft Close, Wilmslow, with husband Valentino, 50, and their three children, aims to extend it throughout the borough, from restaurants to rat catchers.
She said: "Local companies provide jobs, buy off other local businesses and keep the economy healthy. They offer a service you can’t get with huge corporations."Bill Livesley, president of Macclesfield Chamber of Trade, said: "Anything which is proactive is good – it has my 100 per cent support."
Caroline Simpson, head of regeneration at Cheshire East Council, added: "The council is working on plans to think local and buy local as part of a campaign to help alleviate the impact of the recession."The £10 card is valid for a year and offers cut prices at shops listed at www.lovelocallife.co.uk, where you can also sign up. If you are a independent retailer and are interested in joining, email Mandy at mandy@lovelocallife.co.uk.
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